Silvester Horne Institute relaunch

Around 100 people attended a relaunch event last week (Thursday 27 October 2011) to celebrate the extension and refurbishment of the Silvester Horne Institute in Church Stretton.

The official opening was carried out by Councillor Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council.  He welcomed the much-needed revitalisation of this historic building, and was pleased that this was made possible by the council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme, which helped to fund the project.

Other funding came from the Strettondale Local Joint Committee, the Community Council’s Grass Roots fund, and the Millichope Foundation, together with money raised from local fund raising events and Church Stretton Town Council.

The Silvester Horne now provides a new extension to accommodate additional meeting space for the main hall, or a separate ‘breakout’ facility.  The kitchen has been equipped with new cookers, dishwasher and fridge, and the heating system has been renewed with two new boilers and a more energy-efficient zoned system.

Keith Barrow said:

“This has been a great scheme made possible by our fantastic Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.

“This upgrade will allow a more flexible use of the building for conferences offering breakout sessions, private functions such as weddings and dances, concerts and plays.  Plus it now offers better facilities for local clubs and organisations to hold their regular meetings.”

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economy, said:

“This is an important community facility and I’m pleased that the funding has made possible the many improvements.”

David Evans, a Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:

“Market Towns money is very useful to help regenerate places like the Silvester Horne Institute – it’s money well spent on a worthwhile project.  I hope that users of this building will get great pleasure from the extension that has been built on, to make the building more sustainable.”

Christine Harvey, Church Stretton Town Council clerk, said:

“I’d like to thank all those involved in the project, from the contractors who showed a thoughtful and sympathetic approach to the transformation, to the volunteers who helped prepare the building for the relaunch event and those who are working on new events for the community.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Charles Silvester Horne and the Silvester Horne Institute should visit this website.

If you would like more details on the refurbishment or enquire about booking the Silvester Horne, please contact Church Stretton Town Council 01694 722113  or email personalassistant@churchstretton-tc.gov.uk